
2020 was a year to remember, or perhaps to forget. But as we adjusted to the world’s events, many people began working at home and even schooling at home. So many events in our lives are now in digital format rather than in person. And because we spend much of our time indoors, it is crucial that we have good indoor air quality. The air we breathe fuels our work, aids our sleep, and even affects our mental health. So, how are you keeping your air-quality clean as you work from home?
With so many pollutants in the atmosphere, poor air quality can compromise our health and quality of life. An even scarier thought is that our indoor air pollutants can be even more deadly than the ones we experience outdoors. Can you even imagine? Indoor pollutants can be from pet dander and other allergens, all the way to carbon monoxide or other dangerous gases.
But don’t despair! Air quality indoors can be clean and safe with HVAC preventative maintenance and a few minor changes to your home environment.
Home Air Quality Maintenance
Cleaning the air you live in and breathe daily is as important as cleaning the rest of the home. There are steps homeowners can take to keep up with the air quality in the house. Veterans AC and Heat recommends the following processes to ensure the air you breathe is fresh and clean.
Change the Filters
While your HVAC system runs, whether heat or AC, it is continually filtering the air in the home. The HVAC unit is responsible for catching the pollutants and allergens in the air. As they reach their limit, they can really get gunked up. When they are full, your HVAC unit will be strained and not work nearly as well as with a clean filter.
The recommended time is usually specified by the brand and type of filter you purchase. Most are one-to-three-month filters, so be sure to check the change date of the filter you use.
In fact, there are filters on many of the appliances in your home that need changing. Your best air quality comes when all of those filters and vents get cleaned and changed regularly.
Utilize the Vents in the Home
Most people do not realize the vents are there for more than just clearing out the smell of your spaghetti dinner on the stove or the steam out of the shower. The home’s vents remove humidity that can encourage mold growth and, yep, poor air quality. What’s more, Gas stoves can release dangerous contaminants into the air like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. When you are cooking, be sure to utilize the vents and fans on your oven and stove. Additionally, opening a window and allowing airflow will circulate and bring in the fresh air.
Keep the Soft Surfaces Cleaned
Drapes, sofas, rugs, and carpets can act as a filter of sorts in your home. Carpets and sofas are notorious for trapping dust and other particles in their fibers. And, drapes store and trap dust particles. Cleaning these items will take the allergens out of the home once the soft surfaces have collected them for you.
Shake out drapes outside or get them dry cleaned. Vacuum carpets and sofas, and wash throw rugs. You will notice the difference in the air in your home right away when you so.
Control Humidity Levels
A properly working HVAC unit will accomplish this task on its own. Humid conditions inside the home can lead to the build-up of dangerous mold and mildew. Additionally, it can irritate respiratory issues like asthma. Please speak to one of our experts today about ensuring your HVAC unit is taking the proper amount of humidity from the inside air. And don’t forget to use kitchen and bathroom vents.

Add Some Indoor Plants
Decorating is made easy with a well-placed plant. After all, who doesn’t love a pop of green in their house? But indoor plants do more than just improve the aesthetics of your home. They actually clean the air. Plants help naturally recycle air and keep the quality of the air fresher and healthier for you and your family. Try some of the following for the best air quality in each room of the home.
- The Peace Lily
- Golden Pothos
- Snake Plant
- Bamboo Palm
- English Ivy
- Spider Plant
- Boston Fern
- Aloe Vera
- Corn Plant
- And so many more.
Call in the Experts at Veterans AC and Heat
Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality air in your home at Veterans AC and Heat and keep your HVAC system running for its lifetime. Our maintenance plans ensure that everything is running correctly and efficiently.
So, if you are at home a lot more nowadays and want the best air quality you can achieve, let the Veterans help. Give us a call or contact us today!